Juneteenth 2021

What is Juneteenth?

As is tradition, we celebrate Juneteenth in the spirit of Sankofa!

As a reminder, “Sankofa,” is an African Adinkra symbol of the Akan people of Ghana, West Africa. The literal Twi Language translation is, “it is not taboo to go back and fetch what is at risk of being left behind,” or simply, “go back and fetch it!”

The Akan people believe the past serves as a guide for planning the future. They believe it is this wisdom in learning from the past which ensures a strong future. Thus, we celebrate Juneteenth 2025 by remembering & honoring the past and telling our stories as we embrace the future!

We are thrilled to have Ghanaian native/ local artist, William Kwamena-Poh’s art to present this year’s theme with his art entitled, “The Gift,” a piece Commissioned by the Charleston, SC Chapter of Links Inc (learn more about the artist, and “The Gift” in the other tabs) and also Storyteller/Vocalist/Actress Adrienne Reynolds back by popular demand to present storytelling in the Griot Spirit.

About the Artist

William Kwamena-Poh is a gifted self-taught award-winning artist from Ghana, West Africa who when he is not traveling across the country selling his art at Art Fairs, you will find him in his City Market Studio, Savannah (of 20+ yrs) bringing to life scenes of his homeland through his gouache paintings. William was one of 5 artists profiled in the 2022-released Savannah episode of the Amazon Prime show, "The Story of Art in America" Documentary series.

See links below to print, audio and video to learn more about this phenomenal artist as he shares his work and tells his story:

6/14/2025
Juneteenth Activities

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM - Meet in the Courtyard for Welcome & Opening Ceremony

Honoring of Ancestors, Juneteenth History, The Importance of Telling our Story
Announcement of Specific Submission Details & Deadline for “Telling Your Story,” an invitation to submit a written story (500 words Max) or an image of an ancestor you would like to submit (with your ancestor’s name, city & state) to be included on our Website Virtual Exhibit.

11:30 AM - The Main Museum & Terracotta Gallery Doors Open

11:30 PM – 04:15 PM

MUSEUM (see Large Map of Africa & Sankofa Bird Symbol)

Locate ancestral origin on map (if known) & be directed to galleries where art of those
West & Central countries which may be included in our collection are located.
Participate in the community art project (for all ages) by writing an ancestor’s name and a brief statement about them on a provided strip of paper to pin to the Sankofa Bird symbol.
Enjoy self-guided West & Central African tours w/Docents in galleries available for questions including (but not limited to) Adinkra Symbols, Igbo People, Yoruba, Benin Bronzes, Secret Societies, Gullah Geechee, etc.

TERRACOTA GALLERY

Explore our collection of spiritual, ceremonial, and everyday objects made from a variety of materials highlighting works from 8 countries of West & Central Africa.
Visit Genealogy Research tips & resources Table hosted by the Bull St. Library.
Visit Community Resource Tables.

IN THE COURTYARD

Featured Vendor, Diaspora Marketplace will have for purchase Sankofa symbol art, matted prints of theme art, “The Gift” by Ghanaian native/local artist, William Kwamena-Poh, other art and clothing/fabric/jewelry/musical instruments/puzzles for children, and books for all ages.
Game/Art Activity Tent for children Mancala Board Games & Coloring sheets of African art images (w/short descriptions) of art in the museum w/Crayons/coloring pencils, marker.

12:30PM – Taste of Senegalese Bissap /Hibiscus Cooler (while it lasts)

01:00PM – 02:00PM - Session #1 Storytelling w/ Adrienne Reynolds

03:30PM – 04:30PM - Session #2 Storytelling w/ Adrienne Reynolds

04:45PM – 05:00PM - Closing Remarks

About “The Gift”

Commissioned by The Charleston, SC Chapter of Links, Inc

The symbols on the dress from the waist up are Adinkra Symbols from Ghana.

The symbols starting from the right hand underneath the basket are Quilt Codes which were secret codes, messages and symbols that were used as part of the Underground Railroad to help slaves escape to Freedom.

The basket the woman is holding is known as a Sweet Grass Basket, one of the many West African traditions passed down from generations and brought to the Americas by slaves. The unique art of sweetgrass basket weaving is practiced in coastal and barrier island communities from North Carolina to Florida, a region known as the Gullah Geechee Corridor.

Artist, William Kwamena-Poh’s, Comments About the Title

The title, "The Gift" came from the weaving technique that had been preserved among other traditions that Africans brought with them from the continent into slavery. I chose the basket because of its significance to Charleston and that it’s a vessel for carrying.

I chose a woman, because the organization, the Links that commissioned me is a woman's organization helping African Americans in the local community. Secondly, Ghana (my home) is where most of my subject matter lies. The footsteps you see on the map of South Carolina, is of slaves escaping north and I put the map of Africa and America close together in the background, with her bridging the two to make her African American.

It was and still is very important to me that my history is persevered for current and future generations and through paintings, like African symbols and quilt codes from the past can be used to disseminate our history in a very effective way.

About Our Storyteller

Adrienne Reynolds, (2022)

Storyteller Adrienne Reynolds always brings stories to life in our beautiful Museum Courtyard.

Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of African storytelling as Adrienne shares tales that will inspire and entertain audiences of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing or simply want to experience the magic of storytelling, you don't want to miss her live shows!

This isn’t just any Storytime, - Adrienne always brings the energy, the passion, and the history of storytelling in ways that will captivate the whole family.

We look forward to the community joining us in celebration, experiencing, and participating in our offerings with old and new friends.

1st Juneteenth Celebration - Savannah African Art Museum - (06/19/2021)

Video marking the official U.S. Juneteenth celebration as a Federal Holiday

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